SJ R/C F11: A Small GPS Drone Under $160

 The SJ R/C F11 is a small foldable GPS drone with an HD camera that is only $159.99. That sounds almost too good to be true. It has a range of up to 600 meters and a flight time of 25 minutes. Let’s take a closer look.

The SJ F11 Camera

The SJ F11 camera is capable of shooting 1080p video but only at a maximum frame rate of 25 fps. The specs on the camera are largely unknown, but we would expect it to be a 2 MP camera. It does seem that the angle of the camera is adjustable so you can angle it downward 90-degrees if you choose. I expect the quality to be very similar to the C-Fly Dream.

The video and images will stream to your smartphone via a 5G connection, so you will have to make sure that you have a compatible device. There is no gimbal or mention of electronic image stabilization so you will have to fly slow and steady to get good footage. Taking still images may be the way to go with this quadcopter. If you want to stabilize footage you’ll have to up your game and go for something like a DJI Spark.

The SJ F11 Specs

The F11 boasts an impressive flight time of 25 minutes. While I would expect closer to 20 minutes under most conditions that is still better than the 16 minutes you will get from the DJI Spark. The F11 does have a longer charge time of 3.5 hours and that does seem to be a limiting factor. You will definitely want to pick up extra batteries. The drone has a controlling range of 600 meters and a maximum FPV distance of 500 meters. If you want to see the video feed we’d recommend you stay closer. Most 5G connections really only are good up to 200 meters.

The F11 Flight Modes

The F11 does have a handful of intelligent flight modes. GPS will help keep it stable as well as aid in getting good shots. The F11 has an orbit feature, follow me and a return to home. It also has some gesture control features to help you get that perfect dronie.

SJ F11 Specs

Controller frequency: 2.4Ghz
Camera: 120° wide angle camera (90° adjustable angle by remote controller)
Video resolution: 1920 * 1080P
Photo resolution: 1920 * 1080P
Frame rate: 25fps
Motor: 1806 brushless motor
Drone battery: 11.1V 2500mAh
Flight time: About 25 mins
Charging time: About 3.5h
Controller battery: 3.7V 300mAh
Control distance: 600m
5G Wifi image transmission distance: 400-500m
GPS/GLONASS double mode: YES
GPS follow me: About 30m
Image follow me: About 3-10m
Storage: Support TF card (not included)
Quadcopter size: 450 * 425 * 83mm (unfolded)  192 * 130 * 83mm (folded)
Weight: About 490g

Should You Buy the SJ R/C F11?

On paper, the F11 sounds like a winner. HD camera, GPS, brushless motors, all for under $160. The 25 fps frame rate is definitely concerning. We have yet to fly a drone with a frame rate under 30 fps that didn’t have jittery video. No this isn’t going to be like a DJI Spark. The Spark cost $399 and is a heck of a drone, but you can pick up two F11s and still have some change to spare.

What Is the BEST Drone?

So what is the absolute best drone out there? That question isn’t as easy to answer as you’d think. BUT…for most people the answer is the DJI Mavic Air. It is portable, has an awesome camera and excellent flight modes. Learn more about the Mavic Air HERE.

What Is Our FAVORITE Drone?

The Mavic Air is great but the drone that has us excited to go fly the most right now is the Parrot Anafi. The camera and gimbal setup on this drone allow it to do things that no other drone can. Plus, having the ability to zoom in on what you are filming is priceless. Learn more about the Parrot Anafi HERE.

What Drone Is the Best VALUE?

The best value on the market today has to be the DJI Spark. Now under $400, this little dynamo can do things that once upon a time cost over $1000. Learn more about the DJI Spark HERE. Still too much money for you? There are still some great options. Check out our list of the best drones under $200.

Want More Options?

Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.

Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.

Learn More…

If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also, take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy, we also detail some of the advanced testing we do including drone thrust testing and camera quality testing.

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